They Can’t Ask – But You CAN Offer

The Human Resources department is just about to decide between you and the other guy. Wouldn’t you like that person to look at your resume and see this?

“I’m not swayed by passing fancies, I make good decisions in the moment with an eye toward the future, and I can easily adapt to the existing workplace culture.”

You can accomplish that by adding these six words at the end of your resume:

“No tattoos, no piercings, no attitude.”

Now, obviously, this only works if you have no piercings or tattoos (not that there’s anything wrong with that). But if you don’t, go for it. Why not?

Your future employer is unable to ask questions like those due to Federal discrimination laws, but there is nothing to stop you from OFFERING that information. So be bold. Separate yourself from the competition.

At the very last moment the essential part of what you want them to hear will be heard.

Good Luck!

6 Resume Words Will Win You That Job was last modified: January 22nd, 2016 by admin

You’re a millennial, young, smart, accomplished, and you’ve applied for your dream first job. Human Resources has whittled many applicants down to just three. The HR Manager and your future Manager are looking over the finalists. All three interviewed well: equal, equal, equal. All are perfect for the job in every way. It’s decision time, something that occurs every day across the country.

Noticing something at the bottom of your resume the HR Manager takes a yellow highlighter pen and runs it over six words. Under section “Other” it says:

These six words inform potential employers, “I’m not swayed by passing fancies, I make good decisions in the moment with an eye toward the future, and I can easily adapt to the existing workplace culture.”

What better way to get over on equally qualified candidates and land that first dream job!

Here’s another one, but be a little careful with it as it could, unfortunately, backfire. (For your sake that might not be a bad thing.)

“Attend religious services weekly.”

Again, They can’t ask! But you CAN offer.

These four words inform potential employers, “I’m disciplined, and I respect and honor traditional values.”

What employer couldn’t relate to that?

Obviously this would work great at a company like Chick-fil-A, but if you’re due diligence finds some nugget of religious observance by company employees, especially upper management, definitely add it on.

It’s too bad that in a new age where resumes are supposed to tell who you are, they actually don’t. Legal restrictions on age, race, gender, etc. keep potential employers from asking exactly what they want to know about you. They are not permitted to ask simple, common sense questions lest they be considered some violation of Federal statutes. It’s time to fight back against an ever-increasing Politically Correct world.

So make their job easier. They can’t ask. But you CAN offer!

6 Words Will Get You Dream Job was last modified: January 20th, 2016 by admin

Diet and exercise can make a big difference in your physical fitness, but losing belly fat can be one of the more difficult trouble spots. While crunches can help with belly fat, they aren’t the most efficient exercises to tame your muffin top.

Lou Schuler, co-author of The New Rules of LIfting for Abs, explains,”Crunches work only the muscles on the front and sides of your abdomen, but it’s important to target all the muscles of the core to get more defined abs—including lower back, hips, and upper thighs,”

There are however, better and more efficient exercises that can help you strengthen your abs and burn belly fat. Here is a compilation of some gut-busting exercises.

Side Plank

○ The side plank works your entire core. Lie on your side, and support your weight in a straight line while supporting your weight on your elbow and feet. Hold in a diagonal line for 30-45 seconds. Repeat for both sides.

Lunge Twist

○ To do a lunge twist, hold a medicine ball in both hands, then lunge forward. Once in the lunge position, twist with the medicine ball towards the right, then return to center. Come up out of the lunge. Repeat with the other side.

○ This also begins in pushup position, however, put your hands out about two inches past your shoulders. Then, walk your hands out as wide as possible, then walk them back in.

Bridge Opposite Arm-Leg Reach

○ Lie flat on your back, with your left foot flat on the floor, and right foot extended towards the ceiling. Stretch your left arm up towards the ceiling. Stretch your leg out to the right while stretching your arm out to the left. Repeat.

○ This begins on all fours. Keeping your right leg at a ninety degree angle, raise it up behind you. Lower your knee towards the floor but don’t make contact, then raise it again. Do this fifteen times, then switch legs.

Oblique Driving Knee Crunch

○ Using a stability ball, lay back and place your feet firmly on the ground, knees bent at a ninety degree angle. Crunch up, lifting one leg up towards your chest, while twisting your torso toward your bent leg. You are also stretching your opposite leg out straight at the same time. Then, straighten your lifted leg, and lay back flat. Repeat.

These exercises, coupled with proper nutrition, will help to get rid of stubborn belly fat. In no time, you’ll forget all about inefficient crunches and will soon see the difference in your physique.

Photo credit: Keith Allison / Source / CC BY-SA

Best Exercises for Fighting Belly Fat was last modified: April 28th, 2015 by admin

The NBA now joins the list of major sports organizations that require human growth hormone blood testing. Starting in 2015-2016, during training camp this fall, all NBA players will be subjected to three tests, each one random.

If a player were to test positive for human growth hormone, there is a 20 game suspension penalty for a first offense. If there is a second offense, then it’s a 45 game suspension. If a player tests positive for HGH for a third time, they are immediately disqualified from the NBA for life. These are clearly very severe punishments for the use of HGH. Both the owners and players agreed in 2011 to figure out a process for how to test for HGH. The NBA has never previously done blood testing. The typical drug test is a urine test.

Not only are the blood tests random, but two of them will be done in-season. The third test will be done randomly off-season to be absolutely certain that athletes are not using HGH at any time to boost their performance. The testing is not limited to these three random tests, however. It can also be done if there is a reasonable cause to suspect that a player is using the human growth hormone.

Performance enhancing drugs have always been a topic of discussion in the NBA. Though they aren’t as prevalent in basketball as they are in other sports (such as baseball, cycling or golf), there are still a few players who have been suspended after testing positive for various types of steroids. Nick Calathes of the Grizzlies, Hedo Turkoglu of the Clippers and Rashard Lewis of the Miami Heat have all been suspended due to the use of performance enhancing drugs.

Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, denies that the NBA has a steroid problem. While this may be true, the overall feeling in the NBA towards performance enhancing drugs is mild at best. Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks, has come out in favor of allowing NBA players to use HGH as long as it’s in the proper context. “Working together could lead us from the path of demonizing HGH and even testosterone towards a complete understanding. It could allow us to make a data based decision rather than the emotional decision we are currently making. And if it can help athletes recover more quickly, maybe we can extend careers and have healthier happier players and fans,” Cuban told USA Today Sports in an interview.

If the NBA and its players want to see the league stay clean, testing for human growth hormone is a step in the right direction. The severity of the penalties will hopefully make an effective deterrent against using the human growth hormone to enhance the physical strength and stamina of the players.

Each player will be tested three different times annually, making the testing fair to all players and thorough enough to satisfy the league owners. Now the NBA and the world will wait and see what kinds of results come from testing for HGH across the league.

NBA to Begin HGH Testing in 2015 was last modified: April 24th, 2015 by admin

Many people who drink alcohol are curious to know; why doesn’t alcohol have a nutrition or ingredient label? The answer is not as simple as you’d think.

Back in the day, shortly after the repeal of prohibition, Congress passed the Alcohol Administration Act as a way to reap tax benefits from the expected lucrative alcohol market. The AAT eventually became the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the majority of food and drinks our nation consumes, and requires nutritional labeling on all of these things, alcohol is not under their jurisdiction. Instead, alcohol falls under the TTB, which does not require labeling.

The push for labels on alcohol has been almost non-stop over the years. In 2013, the TTB finally made labels optional, but not required. Of course, this “option” is almost useless as the majority of alcohol manufacturers have no desire to disclose their ingredients or calories. Distilled liquor bottles are required to have a label to show the percentage of alcohol, as well as any wine that has a higher than 14% alcohol percentage. Wines with lower than 14% and beers are not required to carry a label that shows alcohol percentage but they may if they desire.

There was a brief period of time where beers were banned from labeling alcohol percentage for fear that advertising would be based on alcohol percentage and the competition would go crazy. In 1995, the Supreme Court overturned that ban on the grounds that it violated the First Amendment. From there, it only gets more complicated. Wine with a lower than 7% alcohol percentage and beers made without malted barley actually fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA instead of the Tobacco Trade and Tax Bureau, meaning that they are required to have a nutritional label. However, the FDA does not require these drinks to disclose alcohol content.

Believe it or not, alcoholic beverages under the jurisdiction of the TTB do not have to list ingredients, including allergens such a peanuts or eggs. Though not required to list ingredients or common allergens, they are required to label for specific substances that some may be sensitive to, such as sulfites or Yellow no. 5 dye. As you can see, the laws and policies regarding alcohol and labeling are rife with contradictions and exceptions, regardless of whether the TTB or FDA is making them.

One company, however, is making a voluntary step in the right direction. Diageo, the world’s largest spirits company as well as a major beer and wine distributor, will begin putting labels on all of their products. Diageo is the maker of Smirnoff, Johnnie Walker, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Tanqueray and Guinness. The new labels, titled “Serving Facts” will include serving size, number of servings per bottle, alcohol content, calories, and grams of carbohydrates, protein, and fat per serving.

Other companies may follow suit after such a drink giant like Diageo makes a step that no other company has previously made. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has been pushing for alcohol companies and the TTB to begin labeling. The TTB and beer, wine and spirits manufacturers are concerned about the impact labeling would have on their sales, fearing that they would lose business when people realize how many calories and what ingredients their beverages contain.

Hopefully other companies will follow Diageo’s example and being to label their products. It’s possible that through transparency in labeling, they may gain customers that care about what they’re consuming.

Photo credit: Maëlick / Foter / CC BY-SA

New Nutrition Labels for Alcohol was last modified: April 15th, 2015 by admin

If you’re looking for an effective way to prevent wrinkles and have young, healthy looking skin, you may be surprised that the answer you are looking for could be in a metal. Copper, to be specific.

When you think about keeping your skin healthy, it’s likely you’ve never thought that something derived from metal could hold the key to young looking skin. Most people tend to steer clear of metals and have a negative association with metals in the body. Though it may be surprising, copper (more specifically copper peptides) are a great way to get rid of dead skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthy skin.

Peptides are tiny pieces of proteins. Proteins are the base for most living tissues. There are some types of peptides that are attracted to copper and will bind very tightly to it. The compound that comes from this fusion is a copper peptide.

In the 1970’s Dr. Loren Pickart discovered that copper peptides were capable of encouraging tissue regeneration. He discovered and patented several types of copper peptides, including GHK copper peptides. One thing Pickart noted was that GHK copper peptides sped up wound healing, and reduced the formation of scar tissue, while also encouraging skin to grow back to the way it was before.

GHK copper peptides’ ability to help skin regrow to the way it was before is one of the things that makes it a good choice when your goal is to keep your skin young. Copper peptides can also soothe skin irritation, due to their inherent anti-inflammatory properties. Skin irritation will speed up skin aging because it can produce free radicals and other byproducts that are damaging to your skin.

Though more research could be done to give a more complete picture of copper peptides and their effect on the skin, there are still some very promising facts that we do know about copper peptides that suggest they are capable of doing for skin what some are suggesting. Skin needs collagen and elastin in order to stay smooth and young. Copper is a part of the process that produces collagen and elastin. Exactly how collagen and copper intertwine in the body is not yet known, but it’s a strong foundation for the idea of copper and its ability to keep skin looking and feeling young.

Research has shown that copper can reduce the appearance of scars by encouraging speed in the cycle of skin renewal after an injury, whether from wound, acne, rash or other form of skin irritation. Copper is available for several skin care uses, including in products that help to speed up healing of the skin after surgery, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and/or chemical peels. It can stimulate hair growth or treat skin suffering from acne or psoriasis.

While there is still research to be done in order to fully understand the effects of copper peptides on skin, what we do know seems very promising. There are many skin care products that contain copper that are safe to be used since the amounts of metals in the ingredients are small. Test some of these products and see what you think of the results.

New research is coming to light that may provide more information on what supplement is most effective for boys suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). A new study, completed in the Netherlands, shows that boys with ADHD who took Omega-3 supplements saw an improvement in their symptoms.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is often diagnosed in childhood. Forty to sixty percent of children diagnosed with ADHD will carry the disorder into their adult years. According to a study done by the Mayo Clinic, boys are much more likely than girls to have ADHD. While the basic symptoms of ADHD are the same regardless of gender, males with ADHD suffer more prominently from impulse control and lack of self-control. There is also a higher instance of oppositional defiance in males with ADHD as opposed to females with ADHD. This kind of behavior in males makes it difficult for their social adjustment, due to peers not understanding their behaviors and becoming frustrated.

The study was done with a group of 80 boys between the ages of 8-14, approximately half of those boys having a diagnosis of ADHD. Some of the boys were given plain margarine and some of the boys were given margarine with Omega-3 fatty acids added in. The boys ate their respective margarines every day for sixteen weeks. The boys who had the Omega-3 laced margarine noticed an improvement in their ability to pay attention, regardless of whether or not they had an ADHD diagnosis. These are promising results for boys who have ADHD as well as those that have some of the symptoms of ADHD but may not have the full form of the disorder.

The results of this study, however, relied heavily on the observations of the parents of the boys participating in the study. In order to get more conclusive evidence and more specific data, it might be beneficial to repeat the study with a fresh group of boys, and this time collect information from not only the parents of the boys but also individuals that have experience with children such as teachers and coaches. It is encouraging to see this effect from Omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s simple and safe to try for the same effect on your own. Omega-3 fatty acids are not only safe but have excellent health benefits, including treating rheumatoid arthritis, boosting heart health, lowering inflammation related to asthma and other inflammatory conditions, and even depression.

Some studies are even beginning to show that Omega-3 fatty acids can slow down or even prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Omega-3s clearly affect the brain in some way, including the development of human brains while still in the womb.

This study is an encouraging one, giving hope to boys with ADHD who want to control their symptoms to better function in school, social situations and life in general. While more testing needs to be done to ascertain why Omega-3s affects ADHD and attentions spans, the data so far is promising and could lead to further discoveries.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Boys with ADHD was last modified: April 8th, 2015 by admin

In recent years, it seems that more and more companies are beginning to offer onsite health care for their employees. It’s convenient for both boss and employee, and makes it possible to use less time away from work for their health care needs.

It’s not just a primary care physician anymore either. It seems that companies are moving beyond an “as-needed” medical care practice and into deeper and more complex territory. An on-site doctor is no longer limited to tending potentially sick employees.

Now, companies are supplying resources for anything from dental care to physical therapy. The number of companies that are providing these types of services is rising too. Thirty-seven percent of the companies that employ 5,000 plus people have onsite medical care available. This information comes from the Mercer consulting firm.

These “wellness initiatives” improve overall employee health and by doing so enhance their productivity. It’s a chain reaction that many large companies are beginning to understand. If an employee finds they are in need of physical therapy, for example, many companies are beginning to provide the service onsite. This makes it possible for the employee to receive the therapy they need without eating up extra travel time or those precious after work hours.

Some companies are even making online health care services available for their employees to access from their home. If an issue should arise once the employee is home, they can chat with a doctor and potentially even obtain a prescription. 18% of large employers offer “telemedicine,” the ability to contact and speak with a healthcare professional over the phone.

One of the benefits of using onsite health care services is that most companies that provide them are self-insured, which means that the company will pay for its employees’ health care claims directly. This makes having the health care onsite a smart move. In addition to health care, dental care, physical therapy, and even counseling services, there are also some companies that offer their employees easy access to a company gym. One of the smartest moves a company can make is investing in the overall health of their employees, not just in their health care. One study suggests that employees who eat the proper servings of fruits and vegetables are 20% more productive than employees who eat unhealthy foods instead.

Some American Express employees have access to dental care via a van. Workers in Phoenix and Salt Lake can get routine exams, cleanings and even fillings or other minor dental procedures. Resources like this are key to retaining employees; making workers lives more convenient works wonders in overall employee morale.

Companies are also supporting their employee’s mental health. Some onsite clinics are adding mental health services, such as short-term counseling as well as mental health referrals. This is a huge step, as depression and other various mental health issues are on the rise.

The addition of onsite health care services in larger companies is a great way to increase worker morale, and to increase employee retention. The companies that have realized the potential of making these services available are reaping the benefits.

More Companies Offering Onsite Health Care was last modified: April 4th, 2015 by admin

New research has come to light suggesting that exercise may play a greater role in the health of middle aged men than previously thought. While the benefits of regular exercise for muscle and joint health, cardiovascular health, and overall energy are well known and lauded in the medical community, the effect of regular exercise on the risk of cancer in middle aged men was relatively unknown until now.

The findings of a study on the correlation between exercise and cancer in middle aged men were recently published in JAMA Oncology. If middle aged men maintain a good fitness regime and keep their bodies in good shape, it significantly lowers their risk of developing colorectal or lung cancers, as well as lowering the risk of death due to cancer in men over the age of 65.

To obtain this information, researchers took data from 13,949 men via treadmill tests over a 38 year time span. They then followed up with the original test subjects around 6 years later, and found that approximately 12% of the men had developed colorectal, lung or prostate cancers.

Men with high fitness levels had a 55% lower risk for lung cancer, as well as a 44% lower risk for colorectal cancer than men who had low fitness levels. This protection was not extended to prostate cancer, however the authors of the study suggest that it is possible that men with a high fitness level are more likely to be proactive about their overall health and get routine prostate screenings. Besides various forms of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer type in men.

The good news is that middle aged men don’t have to become fitness buffs in order to benefit from the cancer protection that overall fitness provides. If middle aged men improve their running speed by 30 seconds per mile, running an 11.5 minute mile as opposed to a 12 minute mile, they could have a 10% lower risk of death from cancer. Susan Lakoski, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Vermont and the lead researcher on the project, gave those numbers to TIME in an interview.

Lakoski also stated, “Men who are physically fit are expected to have lower levels of [cancer-related] sex hormones, enhanced immunity and lower inflammation.” In addition to this, middle aged men with high fitness levels that do develop lung, colon, or prostate cancer have a 32% lower risk of perishing from the disease.

A different study, done in 2012, found that postmenopausal women with a high fitness level can also experience a degree of protection from cancer. Postmenopausal women who exercised between 10 and 19 hours a week had a 30% lower risk of developing breast cancer.

While there are many well known facts about the health benefits that can come from overall fitness, this study opens minds to its importance in cancer prevention. Knowing that it decreases a person’s risk of cancer should make fitness that much more important to those in the middle life stage.

Midlife Fitness Lowers Cancer Risk was last modified: March 31st, 2015 by admin

It’s no secret that drug testing of most major sports is constantly evolving to catch any and all forms of illegal drugs that may enhance a player’s ability in an unfair way. The Professional Golf Association Tour is no exception, having significantly amped up the frequency and accuracy of their test, ensuring that no illegal substance goes undetected.

Unfortunately, not everyone involved with the PGA tour is thrilled about the new policy. John Daly, also known as “Long John”, has refused to keep his opinions quiet about the supposedly random drug testing done by the PGA. Daly, who seems to have a reputation for being outspoken and temperamental, has publicly denounced the testing.

After participating in the Valpar Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida, Daly was quoted as saying “It’s not fair to the tour guys. I don’t mind taking a drug test at all. When I’m sitting out here Thursday and Friday thinking I’m going to get drug tested, holding my [urine] for two hours, it affects your golf game.”

Daly also spoke out the day before, while participating in the radio program, “Hitting it Hard with John Daly.” He claimed that there was no way the drug testing was random. “It’s not random; it’s big a joke. This whole drug testing is a joke… I’m pissed ’cause I know I’m going to get drug tested no matter where I go.”

The PGA tour has tried to combat Daly’s reckless and inflammatory remarks with a statement, “While our staff has met with John Daly in the past, including within the past year, to review the details of the program, it would appear we need to do so again based on his recent comments.” The tour has stated in the past that the testing is both random and selective, allowing for target testing in order to prevent drug use in golfing athletes.

Though talked about for a few years, beginning as early as 2006, the policy wasn’t put into effect until 2008. Obviously, the policy and its procedures still don’t sit well with members of the PGA tour, least of all John Daly. It seems, however that Daly isn’t the only one complaining, though he still stands alone in complaining publicly.

An unknown PGA tour veteran that has won multiple tours backs him up with this statement, “You would be surprised how many guys are tested more often [than others]. I refer to this group as the ‘safe’ guys. We get tested often because we are clean, and it makes testing look frequent and thorough. Total facade. They don’t test ‘big iffy’ guys often at all. Never out of competition, either. Testing Daly may seem thorough, but nobody has ever thought he’s done anything illegal. Only alcohol, and that’s not illegal. … It is a joke, as JD said. No transparency.”

The World Anti-Doping Agency has also been critical of the Tour’s testing program. The Tour only collects urine samples from players, therefore it is unable to test for banned substances like human growth hormone (HGH), which requires a blood sample.

These types of allegations are serious, and can shake the foundation on which the PGA testing regime stands. More information is required before its known whether it’s John Daly or the PGA who is correct in their view of drug testing players.

Photo credit: Keith Allison / Foter / CC BY-SA

John Daly challenges PGA Drug Testing was last modified: March 24th, 2015 by admin